Impact of mandatory vaccination extension on infant vaccine coverages: Promising preliminary results

Abstract Objective In France infant vaccines protecting against 11 diseases have changed from a recommended to a mandatory status for all children born on or after January 1, 2018. Using the Vaccinoscopie survey, we measured the impact of this new vaccination policy on vaccine coverage rates (VCRs) and on mothers’ perception of vaccination. Methods Online survey with 1000 mothers of 0- to 11-month-old infants. Results VCRs for at least one dose at the age of 6 months strongly progressed for diseases that previously did not meet Public Health objectives (+8 points for Hepatitis B and +31 points for meningococcal C vaccines). Mothers were more favorable to mandatory vaccination and better informed in 2018 than in 2017. Conclusion These first results showed a positive impact of the extension of mandatory vaccination on mothers’ opinion regarding vaccination and on infant VCRs.